Jharkhand Pauses Excise Constable Drive Amid Controversy Over Aspirant Deaths

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren announced a three-day suspension of the excise constable recruitment drive. This decision follows the deaths of several candidates during physical tests. Soren described the deaths as tragic and has called for an immediate review of rules set by the previous administration.

Recruitment Drive Suspended

The physical tests for the recruitment began on August 22 across seven centres in six districts. These tests were scheduled to continue until September 9. However, Soren has instructed that no tests will be held after 9 am during this suspension period. "I have issued instructions to halt the excise constables’ recruitment drive for three days," Soren stated in a post on X.

A committee of health experts has been formed to investigate the cause of these deaths. The panel is expected to submit its findings soon. The deaths have sparked significant controversy, with varying reports on the number of fatalities.

Conflicting Reports on Deaths

The BJP claims that 15 candidates have died, while Jharkhand Police report 12 deaths. Health Minister Banna Gupta has put the figure at four. Gupta questioned the accuracy of higher figures, stating, "Where are these figures coming from? These are not authentic. A total of four persons have died."

As of August 30, 127,772 aspirants participated in the physical tests, with 78,023 qualifying for 583 posts, according to police data. DGP Anurag Gupta confirmed that 12 aspirants had died so far and mentioned that investigations are ongoing to determine the exact causes.

Calls for NHRC Probe

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has urged the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to investigate these deaths. Sarma suggested that excessive heat might be a factor and recommended suspending the physical tests until September 15. "The BJP will urge the NHRC to probe into the deaths of the candidates," Sarma said.

Sarma also demanded that the Jharkhand government provide Rs 50 lakh and a job to each family affected by these deaths. He added that if this demand is not met, the BJP would offer jobs to these families once it comes to power in Jharkhand.

Health and Safety Measures

DGP Anurag Gupta highlighted that all necessary arrangements were made at test centres, including drinking water, toilets, ORS packets, doctors, ambulances, nurses, and medicines. He mentioned that cases have been registered as unnatural deaths and postmortems are being conducted.

Gupta also noted that they are examining whether underlying health conditions or other factors like insufficient arrangements or substance consumption contributed to these deaths.

The assembly elections in Jharkhand are approaching, adding political significance to this issue. Sarma, who is BJP’s co-incharge for Jharkhand elections, announced that his party would provide Rs 1 lakh each to the families of the victims.

The situation remains tense as investigations continue and political parties weigh in on the matter. The findings from the health experts' committee will be crucial in determining future actions regarding the recruitment process.